by KYW's Al Novack
The Philadelphia Zoo has released autopsy results on the beloved, aged elephant "Petal," who died this past June.
Petal died at age 52 (see related story). The autopsy shows that she had several underlying health problems, all linked to her age. Those problems included arthritis, and heart and lung problems, according to zoo director of animal health Dr. Keith Hinshaw:
"The most significant finding was fairly significant heart disease."
Zoo officials say that the morning of her death Petal had fallen into a deep sleep, collapsed, and fell from her upright sleep position.
An analysis has revealed that because of her arthritis, Petal was unable to get back up.
When handlers found her in the morning, she was exhausted and there was nothing they could do to help. She passed away a short time thereafter.
A group from Delaware County, Pa. calling itself "Friends of the Zoo Elephants" says it doesn't buy the autopsy results. They want to know more about Petal's medical history and what the zoo did to help her.
E-Mail Story
Print Story
